Pete Nance will make Bucks rethink their roster this summer

Pete Nance is a keeper for the Milwaukee Bucks. The 26-year-old forward has made an impact whenever given the chance this season. Most recently, he contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks against the Cavaliers, making the most of the opportunity created by Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence. 

Retaining Nance in free agency should be a priority for the Bucks this summer, but what does that mean for other members of the frontcourt? Decisions, decisions. Milwaukee will have some significant ones to make regarding their frontcourt depth. 

Nance has earned priority in Milwaukee's rotation of bigs

The Bucks had until March 4 to convert Nance from a two-way to a standard contract. Since they did not, he will become a free agent in the offseason. 

Another important consideration: because two-way players are limited to 50 active games, Nance can only carry an "active" designation three more times. Although 14 games remain for the Bucks, his NBA season is nearing a close.

Still, Nance has shown enough to warrant a future role with the team. Per 36 minutes, he is averaging 14.2 points and 6.9 rebounds on 57 percent from the floor and 48 percent from distance. He has grown as a playmaker and offers floor spacing that Kyle Kuzma, another option at power forward, does not. 

Defensively, Nance uses his 7-foot wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and has the quickness to guard the three through five spots, given the right matchup.

If the Bucks bring him back, though, what does that mean for Kuzma, Bobby Portis, and Myles Turner elsewhere in the frontcourt? Ousmane Dieng and Jericho Sims sure look like they are here to stay, further trimming available minutes.

The elephant in the room, of course, is the possibility of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, triggering a sell-off across the roster. Whether or not that happens, though, other factors should wield a sizable influence on the future configuration of the Bucks' frontcourt. 

Who heads out the door if Nance is here to stay?

Milwaukee was already expected to shop Kuzma this summer, a scenario which is all but a given if Nance and Dieng return as free agents. With the latter's promise and Taurean Prince back healthy, Kuzma's versatility at forward becomes less valuable. Since Kuzma will be on an expiring contract next year, moving his salary via trade should be easier. 

What about Portis? Is this finally it, after years of trade rumors? While arguably the best pure scorer of the bunch, he offers the least defensively. After this season, he will have one year plus a player option remaining on his contract. His $14.5 million salary in 2026-27 is very trade-friendly. 

Moving off Turner would likely prove more difficult. He is set to make over $54 million during the next two seasons, with a $29 million player option after that. Given his underwhelming play in Milwaukee, other teams are unlikely to view that as an enticing contract. 

In Turner and Portis' cases, however, the fact that Nance can space the floor just as effectively is a strike in his favor. At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, though, he doesn't have the stature or strength to defend with standard centers. Combined with Turner's hefty contract, that factor suggests the former should be back, regardless of Nance's status, unless the Bucks find an adequate replacement. 

That much cannot be said for Portis, who doesn't play defense, anyway, or Kuzma, whose shooting remains an issue. We'll see what the team decides in a few months.